Catholic identity. This whole idea gives me problems. As the Vatican appears to be promoting a kind of uniformity. A type of robotic thought and behavior. Controlled from Rome! (Even the unearthed Chinese army of clay soldiers has each one manifesting uniqueness!)
I think we have to start with the assumption, amply validated in scripture, that our identities are hidden with Christ in God. That the Holy Spirit dwells within each of us, immersed in constant prayer (whether we know it or not). That our task is to gradually live out the Image of God, allowing the Spirit to form us in God's VERY Likeness.
Uniformity has no part in this! And the Gospel is a call within the heart of each person. It calls us to a unique "identity" - yes, formed in God's likeness - but God reaches out to each of us in a unique relationship.
Catholic identity? Honestly, I'm not sure what that means. Unless it means a humility which few, if any of us, ever achieves.
To manifest the Presence of God, this is our calling. And God's presence, I submit, is so personally overwhelming, it could NEVER be uniform.
To me the question should never be: Who are you as a Catholic? (Recall that many Christians recite the Creed! Not just Roman catholics.)
The question, it seems to me, is: Who are you in your deepest heart? Who are you in the eyes of God? Who is any of us when most present to the Holy Trinity flowing/dwelling within? Or to the Trinity met in every person? In every aspect of nature?
See this wonderful interview posted at Blue Eyed Ennis during her blogging break - which leads exactly in the direction I'm discussing:
Catholic identity? This Abbot has got it!!!
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